A Taste of Spring: Mom’s Easy Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Some recipes don’t just live in a cookbook — they live in your memories. For me, this Cinnamon Cake is one of those treasures. It’s light enough for a sunny spring afternoon but rich with the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Best of all, it’s ridiculously easy to make, which means you can have your cake (and eat it too) without spending all day in the kitchen!

This cake comes straight from my mom’s recipe box — the kind of recipe scribbled on a well-worn index card, and has a little stains from years of baking love. What makes it shine is the combination of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and a clever “set-aside” crumble topping that transforms the cake into something special.

Why We Love This Cake

• Light and not-too-sweet: Perfect for spring brunches, Easter dessert tables, or just an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

• Simple pantry staples: No need to hunt down fancy ingredients.

• A little nostalgic magic: That cinnamon-nut topping takes you right back to homemade goodness.

The Secret is in the Crumble

The magic trick here is mixing together brown sugar, oil, nutmeg, and salt, then setting aside ¾ cup of this mixture. You’ll fold eggs, buttermilk, sugar, soda, and flour into the rest to make the batter. That saved bit? You’ll stir in chopped nuts and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the top. As it bakes, it forms a beautifully spiced, slightly crunchy topping that makes every bite irresistible.

The Recipe (Straight from Mom)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp nutmeg

• 1 cup oil

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ cup chopped nuts

• 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon

Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Dust with powdered sugar for an extra-pretty finish.

• Pair with coffee or iced tea for the ultimate spring afternoon break.

Why You’ll Make It Again (and Again)

This isn’t just any cake — it’s a cake that makes your kitchen smell like home. It’s the kind of recipe you pass down, the one you bake for neighbors, potlucks, or “just because.” And when you tell people it’s your mom’s recipe, you’ll get smiles and requests for the recipe.

So go ahead — mix, sprinkle, bake, and enjoy a little slice of spring!